Pointe shoes and other footwear for dance performance and dance training

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are systems, kits and methods for smart footwear for dance performances, as well as computer-implemented methods to train performers using the smart footwear. An example method for improving a dance technique or a dance performance by a performer, comprises receiving, using a radio frequency (RF) transceiver on a wireless device, a signal from an RF transmitter on a pointe shoe, determining, based on the signal, an activation status of each of a plurality of pressure sensors on the pointe shoe, and providing, based on the activation status, an indication of an accuracy or efficacy of the performer standing en pointe during the dance technique or dance performance.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation and claims priority to U.S.application Ser. No. 16/806,913, entitled “POINTE SHOES AND OTHERFOOTWEAR FOR DANCE PERFORMANCE AND DANCE TRAINING”, filed Mar. 2, 20202,which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 62/812,923,entitled “SMART POINTE SHOES AND OTHER FOOTWEAR FOR DANCE PERFORMANCEAND DANCE TRAINING”, filed on Mar. 1, 2019, which is expresslyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This patent document relates to dance performance shoes, e.g., ballet,tap, jazz, etc., kits for the dance performance shoes, and a wirelessdevice that can interface with the dance performance shoes.

BACKGROUND

Ballet is a highly technical dance performance that is enjoyed andappreciated the world over. Pointe shoes are a type of shoe worn byballet performers. They are an integral part of classical ballet, andmake the performers appear weightless and enable them to dance en pointefor extended periods of time.

SUMMARY

Methods, systems and kits for smart pointe shoes and other footwear fordance performance and dance training, as well as wireless devices thatcan be configured to interact with the smart pointe shoes, aredisclosed. In order to improve technique and accentuate intricate balletmovements, such as kicks and twirls, pirouettes and arabesques, thedisclosure provides attaching light-emitting diodes (LEDs), sensors anda transceiver to a pointe shoe, and a wireless device that cancommunicate with the transceiver on the pointe shoe.

In one aspect, a system for improving a dance technique or a danceperformance by a performer, comprises a pointe shoe, comprising: alight-emitting diode (LED) ribbon affixed to an external surface of thepointe shoe, a power source, a rigid enclosure within a front end of thepointe shoe that encases and supports toes of the performer, wherein afront end of the rigid enclosure is flattened to form a platform uponwhich the performer can balance when standing en pointe, a plurality ofpressure sensors, in the rigid enclosure or affixed to the platform,configured to activate when the performer stands en pointe during thedance performance, wherein the each of the plurality of pressure sensorscomprises a capacitive layer, and wherein standing en pointe comprisesthe performer standing on the tips of their toes, a radio frequency (RF)transmitter operatively connected to the plurality of pressure sensorsand configured to be activated when at least one of the plurality ofpressure sensors is activated, and at least one wire connecting thepower source to the LED ribbon, the plurality of pressure sensors andthe RF transmitter; and a wireless device comprising: a processor, andan RF transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to: receive,using the RF transceiver, a signal from the RF transmitter, determine,based on the signal, an activation status of each of the plurality ofpressure sensors, and provide, based on the activation status, anindication of an accuracy or efficacy of the performer standing enpointe during the dance technique or dance performance.

In another aspect, a method for improving a dance technique or a danceperformance by a performer, comprises receiving, using a radio frequency(RF) transceiver on a wireless device, a signal from an RF transmitteron a pointe shoe; determining, based on the signal, an activation statusof each of a plurality of pressure sensors on the pointe shoe; andproviding, based on the activation status, an indication of an accuracyor efficacy of the performer standing en pointe during the dancetechnique or dance performance, wherein the pointe shoe comprises: alight-emitting diode (LED) ribbon affixed to an external surface of thepointe shoe, a power source, a rigid enclosure within a front end of thepointe shoe that encases and supports toes of the performer, wherein afront end of the rigid enclosure is flattened to form a platform uponwhich the performer can balance when standing en pointe, and at leastone wire connecting the power source to the LED ribbon, the plurality ofpressure sensors and the RF transmitter, wherein the plurality ofpressure sensors, in the rigid enclosure or affixed to the platform, isconfigured to activate when the performer stands en pointe during thedance performance, wherein the each of the plurality of pressure sensorscomprises a capacitive layer, and wherein standing en pointe comprisesthe performer standing on the tips of their toes, and wherein the RFtransmitter is operatively connected to the plurality of pressuresensors and configured to be activated when at least one of theplurality of pressure sensors is activated.

In yet another aspect, a kit for enhancing a pointe shoe for improving adance technique or a dance performance by a performer, the kit comprisesa pointe shoe, comprising: a rigid enclosure within a front end of thepointe shoe that encases and supports toes of the performer, wherein afront end of the rigid enclosure is flattened to form a platform uponwhich the performer can balance when standing en pointe, and a piece ofrigid material that stiffens a sole of the pointe shoe to providesupport for an arch of an en pointe foot of the performer; alight-emitting diode (LED) ribbon; a power source; a plurality ofpressure sensors; a radio frequency (RF) transmitter; and at least onewire, wherein the LED ribbon is configured to be affixed to an externalsurface of the pointe shoe, wherein the plurality of pressure sensors isconfigured to be inserted into the rigid enclosure or affixed to theplatform, and to activate when the performer stands en pointe during thedance performance, wherein the each of the plurality of pressure sensorscomprises a capacitive layer, and wherein standing en pointe comprisesthe performer standing on the tips of their toes, wherein the RFtransmitter is configured to be operatively connected to the pluralityof pressure sensors, and to be activated when at least one of theplurality of pressure sensors is activated, wherein the at least onewire is configured to connect the power source to the LED ribbon, theplurality of pressure sensors and the RF transmitter, and wherein awireless device that is paired to the pointe shoe is configured to:receive a signal from the RF transmitter affixed to the pointe shoe,determine, based on the signal, an activation status of each of theplurality of pressure sensors, and provide, based on the activationstatus, an indication of an accuracy or efficacy of the performerstanding en pointe during the dance technique or dance performance.

The subject matter described in this patent document can be implementedin specific ways that provide one or more of the following features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows the different parts of ballet slippers.

FIGS. 1B and 1C show the different parts of pointe shoes for balletperformances.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of an example of a smart pointe shoe.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of another example of a smart pointe shoe.

FIG. 4 shows a diagram of yet another example of a smart pointe shoe.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show example pressure sensor configurations on theplatform of a smart pointe shoe.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show examples of calibrating one or more pressuresensors in smart pointe shoes.

FIG. 7 shows a diagram of an example of a kit for enhancing a pointeshoe.

FIG. 8 shows a diagram of another example of a kit for enhancing apointe shoe.

FIGS. 9A-9E show examples of different types of performance shoes withpressure sensor and battery placement.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the smart pointe shoe interacting with awireless device.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an example method of using a smart pointeshoe.

Like labels are used to refer to the same or similar features in thedrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed are devices, kits and methods that may be used for embodimentsof a smart pointe shoe for ballet. Pointe shoes with LEDs, which may beactivated based on a performer's movements, may enhance balletperformances, both classical and modern, and may be tracked by awireless device that communicates with the smart pointe shoes. Certainaspects of the disclosed embodiments are shown in one or more of thefigures. As such, every aspect of the embodiment in a particular figuremay not be explicitly described in the context of that figure.Components may be described and claimed as connected or operativelyconnected, both of which are interpreted to mean that the components maybe either directly or indirectly connected, but able to perform thefunction specified and/or described.

Section headings are used in the present document to improve readabilityof the description and do not in any way limit the discussion or theembodiments (and/or implementations) to the respective sections only.

Overview of a Pointe Shoe

FIG. 1A shows the different parts of a ballet slipper, and FIGS. 1B and1C show the different parts of a pointe shoe for ballet performances.Pointe shoes share two important structural features that enable dancersto dance on the tips of their toes: (i) a box within the front end ofthe shoe that encases and supports the dancer's toes, and (ii) a shank,which is a piece of rigid material that serves to stiffen the sole so asto provide support for the arch of the en pointe foot.

In some embodiments, the external surface of a pointe shoe is coveredwith fabric, thus concealing the box and other internal structuralelements and lending an aesthetically pleasing look to the shoe. Forexample, pointe shoes may be covered with satin or canvas. Pointe shoesmay be available in light pink colors, and less commonly in black andwhite.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the vamp (110) refers to the length of thebox (125) and material from the toe platform (105) to the opening of theshoe, which is known as the throat (115). In some embodiments, the vampis v-shaped. In other embodiments, it may be round. The lip of theopening of the shoe is referred to as the binding (120), and in someembodiments, a drawstring may run through the binding. The box (125) isa rigid enclosure within the front end of the shoe that encases andsupports the dancer's toes. The front end of the box (125) is flattenedso as to form a platform (105) upon which the dancer can balance, andfabric covers the exterior of the box for aesthetics.

In some embodiments, the sole (130) of the pointe shoe may beconstructed from a piece of leather that is attached to the shoe withadhesive and reinforced by stitching along its edges. The sole overlapsand secures the unfinished edges of the shoe's exterior fabric. Pointeshoes may be manufactured with either scraped soles, which providesuperior traction, or buffed soles, which have a smoother surface forreduced traction.

Aesthetic appearance is of paramount importance for modern pointe shoes.In some embodiments, and to achieve an elegant appearance, the shoe'smore decorative outer fabric may be prominently featured, covering themaximum possible area of the shoe's visible surfaces. In an example, thesole (130) may be made of thin material to give it a minimal profile,and a margin of satin is pleated around it so that the sole covers onlypart of the bottom of the shoe.

A pointe shoe may employ one or more elastic bands (136) to secure it tothe foot. The elastic band—which traverses the front of the ankle andthe top of the arch of the foot— keeps the heel of the shoe in placeagainst the foot when the dancer is en pointe.

Example Embodiments of the Smart Pointe Shoe

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of an example of a smart pointe shoe. Thisexample includes some features and/or components that are similar tothose shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, and described above. At least someof these features and/or components may not be separately described inthis section.

As shown in FIG. 2 , LED ribbons (245-1, 245-2 and 245-3) are attachedto the vamp of the pointe shoe. In the present patent document, the termLED ribbon, LED strand and LED strip are used interchangeably and referto a plurality of LED lights on a single (and common) conductiveconnector. A wire (241) is attached to the internal surface of thepointe shoe, and connects the pressure sensor (240) and the LED ribbonsto the power source (250) and the control circuitry (255). In anexample, the LED ribbon may be fairy string lights on a black wire. Insome embodiments, the wire (241) is attached to the external surface ofthe pointe shoe. In yet other embodiments, the wire (241) may be placedin between an internal canvas layer and an outer satin layer. In yetother embodiments, the control circuitry includes a toggle switch thatswitches between the LEDs remaining off and LEDs being activated as afunction of the pressure sensor. In yet other embodiments, the controlcircuitry includes a toggle switch that toggles between the LEDs beingoff, the LEDs remaining on and LEDs being activated as a function of thepressure sensor. In an example, the dancer may set the toggle switch tothe desired mode prior to a training session or performance. In anotherexample, the control circuitry (and the toggle switch) may be programmedusing a wireless transceiver on the pointe shoe.

In some embodiments, the pressure sensor (240) may be implemented as aswitch membrane, which is an electrical switch that can turn the LEDs onand off, and may be a circuit printed on flexible polyethyleneterephthalate (PET, a common thermoplastic polymer resin). In otherembodiments, the pressure sensor may be implemented as a capacitivesensor layer or using other tactile sensing modalities that are wellknown in the art. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 2 , theswitch membrane (240) may be located inside the box of the pointe shoeand adjacent to the platform (205). In other embodiments, the switchmembrane may be attached to the platform (205) on the external surfaceof the shoe, and covered with satin so as not to impede the performer'smovements.

In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 2 , the power source (250) isa button cell that is attached at the heel to an internal surface of thepointe shoe. In other embodiments, the power source may be a coin cell(also referred to as a button cell), a cylindrical battery or arectangular battery. In an example, the battery may be rechargeable. Inanother example, the battery may be a nickel-cadmium battery, anickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. The power sourcemay be attached to an external surface of the pointe shoe. For example,a battery pack may be attached below the binding (220) and toward theback of the pointe shoe—this placement of the battery ensures that itdoes not impede or restrict the dancer's movements in the smart pointeshoes.

The pointe shoe shown in FIG. 2 may include one or more fabric ribbons(235), which when the shoe is worn, secure the pointe shoe to theperformer's foot. In an example, the fabric ribbons may be wrapped inopposite directions around the ankle, overlapping one another so as toform a cross at the front. The ends are then tied together in a knot,which is then tucked under the ribbon on the inside of the ankle to hideit from view. In some embodiments, the ribbons may be attached to thebinding (220) of the shoe, and may be included in addition to elasticstraps. In other embodiments, the ribbons may be attached to the middlesection of the pointe shoes that corresponding to the dancer's arch. Inyet other embodiments, only ribbons or elastic straps may be employed.In yet other embodiments, LEDs may be attached to one or both of theribbons.

In some embodiments, the pointe shoe may further include a radiofrequency (RF) transceiver (247), capable of low-rate and low-latencywireless communication using a wireless protocol, that is connected tothe pressure sensor and the power source. As discussed in the exampleabove, the switch membrane in the box of the pointe shoe (or attachedinternally or externally to the platform of the pointe shoe) isactivated when the performer goes en pointe. In some embodiments, theactivation of the switch membrane triggers the RF transceiver, whichsignals the RF transceiver in the other pointe shoe, which may not be enpointe. However, the pointe shoe that is aloft may also activate itsLEDs based on the received wireless signal. The position of the RFtransceiver is not restricted to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 . It maybe attached to either the external or internal surface of the pointeshoe, but should not impede the performer's movements in any way.

In some embodiments, the control circuitry (255) may implement aspecific sequence of individual LED activations in the LED ribbons(245-1, 245-2, 245-3). In other embodiments, the RF transceiver maytransmit wireless signals that instruct the control circuitry toimplement the same or different sequence of individual LED activationsin the other pointe shoe.

In an example, the wireless protocol that may be used includes but isnot limited to IEEE 1394, Firewire, Universal Serial Bus (USB) 1.0 orhigher, RS-232, Ethernet, Ultrawide Band (UWB), Zigbee, 60 GHz, Wi-fi,802.11x (where x equals a,b,g,n, etc.), PSTN, Bluetooth, Bluetooth LowEnergy (BLE), Radio Frequency (RF), Infrared (IR), cellular telephone,IEEE 802.15.1, CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, wireless, or any other proprietary ornon-proprietary communication protocol.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of another example of a smart pointe shoe. Thisexample includes some features and/or components that are similar tothose shown in FIGS. 1A-1C and 2 , and described above. At least some ofthese features and/or components may not be separately described in thissection.

As shown in FIG. 3 , an LED ribbon (345) may be attached to the frontportion of the binding (320) of the pointe shoe. In other embodiments,the LED ribbon may be placed along the entire length of the binding,forming a continuous oval around the opening where the performer's footfits into the pointe shoe. There may be a space between the LED lightson the LED ribbon as shown in FIG. 3 . In other embodiments, there maybe no space between the individual LED lights, thereby forming a solid,continuous strand of LED lights sewn into the binding. Differentcombinations and configurations of LED strands may be made according tostyle and preference, as long as they do not impede the dancer's abilityto dance freely.

In some embodiments, the LED lights may emit light with wavelengths thatspan the range from 460 nm (nanometers) to 700 nm. For example, a bluecolor is displayed using light with a wavelength between 460 nm and 490nm, whereas a red color uses light with a wavelength between 620 nm and645 nm. In other embodiments, blacklight LEDs that emit ultraviolet withwavelengths between 310 nm and 450 nm may be used.

In some embodiments, the LED ribbons LEDs may be replaced (or augmented)by (with) other LED displays. For example, embodiments of the disclosedtechnology are compatible with any LED display including, by way ofexample, organic LED (OLED), active matrix OLED (AMOLED), flexible OLED(FOLED), phosphorescent OLED (PhOLED), polymer LED (PLED), passivematrix OLED (PMOLED), polymer OLED (POLED), resonant color OLED(RCOLED), small molecule OLED (SmOLED), stacked OLED (SOLED),transparent OLED (TOLED), neon organic iodine diode (NOID), or the like.In an example, a flexible OLED display may cover a portion of the vampor the entire surface of the pointe shoe, and be connected to the switchmembrane and power source using at least one wire.

FIG. 3 shows the power source (350) and control circuitry (355)connected to an accelerometer (342) using a wire (341-1) and to the LEDribbon on the front portion of the vamp using another wire (341-2). Inthis example, the speed of a performer's movement may be used toactivate the LEDs. Different activation thresholds, which activate theLEDs at different speeds, may be set based on creative and artisticchoices. For example, the time elapsed since a certain point in theperformance may trigger different sequences of LEDs. In another example,the number of times the performer goes en pointe may be used todetermine LED activation.

FIG. 4 shows a diagram of yet another example of a smart pointe shoe.This example includes some features and/or components that are similarto those shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, 2 and 3 , and described above. At leastsome of these features and/or components may not be separately describedin this section.

In some embodiments, LEDs may be attached to the pointe shoe indifferent styles and shapes. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , an LEDribbon (445) is attached to the external surface of the shoe in theshape of a heart. Herein, the LEDs are activated based on either or bothof an accelerometer (442) and a switch membrane (440). The controlcircuitry (455) may include a toggle switch that switches between theLEDs remaining off and LEDs being activated as a function of the switchmembrane or the accelerometer.

In other embodiments, the toggle switch may be configured to switchbetween the LEDs remaining off, the LEDs being activated by theaccelerometer (442), and the LEDs being activated by the switch membrane(440). In yet other embodiments, the toggle switch may be configured toswitch between the LEDs remaining off, the LEDs always remaining on, andthe LEDs being activated by either one or both of the accelerometer andthe switch membrane.

Examples Embodiments of Pressure Sensor Configurations

In some embodiments, and shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , a single pressuresensor may be used adjacent to the platform of the pointe shoe. In otherembodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, multiple pressure sensorsin different configurations may be used on the platform of a pointeshoe. In an example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A may be used in aballet studio for training, and in particular, to determine whether aballet dancer is correctly standing en pointe. The three differentpressure sensors (denoted 540-1, 540-2 and 540-3 in FIG. 5A) may becoupled to different sets of lights. A given set of lights only turns onwhen the coupled pressure sensor is pressed. Thus, only the set oflights coupled with the pressure sensor on which the dancer is placingthe majority of his/her weight is activated. The appropriate lightsturning on show that the dancer is practicing proper technique.

FIG. 5B shows an example that divides the platform into more regionsusing multiple (and smaller) pressure sensors (denoted 540-1 through540-5 in FIG. 5B). In an example, one or more LEDs on a specific area orside of the shoe may light up corresponding to the specific pressuresensor that has been activated.

In some embodiments, having multiple sensors on the platformadvantageously enables the smart footwear to be used for training, andspecifically, to develop better dancing technique. For example, thepressure sensors may be configured such that a particular sensorcorresponding to the correct weight distribution (and technique) of thedancer may be activated to then turn on the LEDs. This would result inthe LEDs lighting up when the dancer performs a particular move (e.g.,en pointe) correctly, but would not light up if the weight distributionor technique was incorrect, or could still be improved.

In an example, the pressure sensors are configured to provide a binary(on/off) output that results in the coupled lights turning on or off,respectively. In another example, the pressure sensors are configured toprovide an output value (e.g., a value in millivolts in a predeterminedrange) that results in the intensity of the coupled lights varying basedon the output value (e.g., a higher output value from the pressuresensor resulting in a brighter light). In yet another example, theoutput value may be compared to a threshold, which results in thecoupled lights turning on or off based on a result of the comparison.

In some embodiments, the one or more pressure sensors may be embedded inplatform of the pointe shoe. If the sensor were placed inside the shoe,the typically tight fit of the pointe shoes would result in the LEDsturning on far more often than when the dancer was en pointe. If thesensor were placed on the outside of the shoe, the calibration andplacement of the pressure sensor would be difficult to achieve. Thus, insome embodiments of the disclosed technology the one or more pressuresensors are embedded into the platform of the pointe shoe. In these typeof pointe shoes, the box (and platform) is typically made from tightlypacked layers of paper and fabric that have been glued together and thenshaped into an enclosure, and the pressure sensor can be integrated intothe packed layers of paper and fabric during the construction of the boxand platform. In other embodiments, the pressure sensors may be placedbetween the platform and a layer of dance rubber, suede or pleather (butnot inside the shoe so as to be in direct contact with the dancer'sfeet). In these alternate type of pointe shoes, the box may be made fromplastic and rubber, with rigidity provided by the plastic, and thepressure sensor can be integrated during its construction.

In some embodiments, the pressure sensor may be calibrated based on theage range or weight of the dancer (e.g., activates only when a minimumamount of weight, or equivalently force, has been applied to thepressure sensor). For example, FIG. 6A shows that the area of one footis approximately 132 cm², and assuming a weight of the dancer is 105lbs., the pressure on the two feet of the dancer is approximately 17.8kPa. On the other hand, and as shown in FIG. 6B, the total are of theplatform of one pointe shoe is 15 cm², and thus the pressure on thesingle pointe shoe that is in contact with the ground is approximately300 kPa, or roughly 17 times the pressure experienced when standingnormally on two feet. Thus, in an example, the calibration of thepressure sensors can be based on this type of calculation that is basedon the weight of the dancer. For another example, the calibrationprocess may be further based on the age of the dancer, whichadvantageously enables the pressure sensors to be customized to theuser.

Example Embodiments of Batteries and Switches

In some embodiments, the disclosed technology may include the switchproviding a first mode wherein the LEDs are always on and a second modein which the LEDs are activated by a pressure sensor. In the formermode, the pressure sensor is effectively disabled, whereas in the lattermode, different LEDs on the shoe may be triggered by one or more ofmultiple pressure sensors that are placed adjacent to the platform ofthe pointe shoe (or equivalently, in the appropriate location for otherdance footwear).

In some embodiments, the battery and pressure sensor(s) are selected soas to provide equivalent brightness in both the modes described above.In particular, a length of the connector for the pressure sensor must beselected in conjunction with the battery—if the connector is too long,then the brightness of the LEDs in the second mode (pressure activated)will be fainter than in the first mode (always on). In general, thetypes and lengths of the wires and connectors, and the battery, may beselected to ensure that the brightness of the LEDs in both the first andsecond modes are equivalent, thereby enhancing a performance that usesthe disclosed technology.

An example of the disclosed technology includes, but is not limited to,the following components that may be arranged in one or more of theconfiguration described in this patent document:

-   -   2032 coin cell (with a 3.0 V nominal voltage) may be used for        the battery    -   Coin cell (battery) case with height 1.1 inches and width 0.75        inches    -   1 mm long switch on top of the battery case    -   ZRX-543 push button pressure sensor (3 inch length, 1 mm width)    -   4.5 inch wire connecting pressure sensor to the battery    -   LED strand; 30 LEDs spaced 2 inches apart (e.g., SKU        DR-MOON-114)

In some embodiments, the battery may be coupled to the pressure sensorand/or the LEDs and/or the switch using wires that are located inbetween the (outer) satin and (inner) canvas layers of the pointe shoe.This advantageously ensures that the wires will no snag and interferewith the performance and is aesthetically pleasing. In otherembodiments, the battery may be a coin cell that is sewn into a pocketthat is directly adjacent to the switch (or the switch may be stacked ontop of the battery) and located near the elastic of the pointe shoe. Itis noted that the battery and switch may be placed either (i) on theelastic or (ii) below the elastic on the outside of the shoe, and caremust be taken to ensure that the battery/switch combination does notcover both the elastic and the outside of the shoe (or spill over fromthe elastic), as this may hamper the dancer's movements. In yet otherembodiments, switching between the two modes may be implemented using amicro switch (e.g., toggle, rocker or slide switches).

Example Embodiments of Pointe Shoe Construction

In some embodiments, the pressure sensor can be embedded in the platformof the pointe shoe, and thus, it may be included when the pointe shoe isbeing constructed. This would enable the pressure sensor to be placedand calibrated properly. Furthermore, the pointe shoe could besemi-broken in (e.g., applying pressure to gently crush the box and/orbending the shank), by the manufacturer, to ensure that the dancerpurchased the pointe shoe with a correctly placed and calibratedpressure sensor. In some embodiments, the pointe shoes may besemi-broken in prior to the integration of the LEDs so as to eliminatedamage to the electronics. In other embodiments, dancers may be providedwith specific instructions as to how to continue to break-in the pointeshoes so as to not damage the electronics (which may result if the shoeis bent too much). In yet other embodiments, flexible elements andmaterials (including, but not limited to, the pressure sensor and LEDs)are used to implement embodiments of the disclosed technology so as tominimize damage to the electronics when the shoe is worn regularly orfurther broken-in as it continues to be worn and used. In yet otherembodiments, the smart pointe shoes may be constructed, broken-in by thedancer, and then returned to the manufacturer to ensure that thecomponents (e.g., one or more of the pressure sensor, LEDs, battery,switch and/or wiring) are functioning properly.

In some embodiments, the one or more pressure sensors are spread overthe entirety of the platform, extending up to the edge of the platformmeeting the vamp.

In some embodiments, the LEDs may be integrated into the body of theshoe during construction. In an example, the wires could be hiddenbeneath the outer satin layer. In another example, the LEDs may beembedded into the satin and canvas layers, thereby laying flat on thesurface and not protruding. As noted previously, LEDs comprisingflexible wires and LED materials may be manufactured (or selected) forembedding in the pointe shoe. Embodiments of the disclosed technologyinclude the LEDs being placed in any configuration that does not comeinto contact with the edge connecting the platform to the vamp.

In some embodiments, and as described in the various embodiments in thisdocument, the battery, switch and one or more LED strands (or ribbons,or strips) are positioned on the outer surface of the dance footwear sothat they do not touch the dancer's skin. In an example, when thebattery and switch are positioned on the elastic for pointe shoes orballet slippers, their location is selected so as not to bleed over theedge of the elastic.

Example Embodiments for Kits for Producing a Smart Pointe Shoe

In the examples in FIGS. 2-4 , described above, a smart pointe shoefeatures LEDs, a power source, and sensors that include accelerometersand switch membranes. In contrast, FIG. 7 shows a diagram of an exampleof a kit that may be used to enhance (or transform, or upgrade, or“smartify”) a pointe shoe in a “do it yourself” approach. In someembodiments, the kit may include LED ribbons (745-1, 745-2, 745-3), abutton cell (also known as a coin cell) power source (750) connected tocontrol circuitry (755), and a switch membrane (740) that may beconnected to the power source and control circuitry.

These components may be attached to the pointe shoe using basic sewingequipment. In an example, a needle and thread may be included in the kitto facilitate the attachment of the kit components to the external andinternal surfaces of the pointe shoe. In other embodiments, the kit mayinclude, for example, an accelerometer, different configurations andstyles of LEDs, and different types of power sources.

FIG. 8 shows a diagram of another example of a kit for enhancing apointe shoe. In this example, the kit includes some features and/orcomponents that are similar to those shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, 2, 3 and 4 ,and described above. At least some of these features and/or componentsmay not be separately described in this section.

Keeping with the “do it yourself” approach, the kit shown in FIG. 8 isan example of a kit to enhance a pointe shoe that may be attached to theshoe in a simpler procedure. The kit includes a pointe shoe cover thatis comprises a body (811), a toe portion (804) and a sole on the bottomsurface of the body (not shown in FIG. 8 ), and which has the featuresand enhancements (described in previous examples) embedded. The body ofthe pointe shoe cover is configured to envelop, or wrap around, thepointe shoe such that the toe portion aligns with the platform of thepointe shoe.

In some embodiments, an LED ribbon (845) is embedded into the vamp ofthe body of the pointe shoe cover. The LED ribbon is connected to thebutton cell power source (850) and control circuitry (855) using a wire(841) that is affixed to the internal surface of the pointe shoe cover.In an example, a switch membrane (840) may be attached to an internalsurface of the toe portion (804) of the pointe shoe cover.

In some embodiments, the body (811) of the pointe shoe cover may be madeof lycra spandex, nylon spandex, cotton, wool, nylon, polyester,acrylic, spandex, silk, cashmere, mohair, or olefins (such aspolypropylene), any blend of the aforementioned materials, or the like.The material of the body of the pointe shoe must be form-fitting so asto be able to snugly wrap around the pointe shoe. In other embodiments,the pointe shoe cover may be made of one or more layers of heat shrinkwrap film, which can be configured to fit around the pointe shoe, andthen conform to its shape with the application of heat. Various tintsand thicknesses of heat shrink wrap film may be used to ensure that theelectrical and electronic components are not adversely affected duringthe enhancement of the pointe shoe.

In some embodiments, the pointe shoe cover may be configured forone-time use. For example, treating a pointe shoe cover made from aspecific type of heat shrink wrap film may result in a snug,form-fitting outer layer that functions as desired, but may not bereadily removable. In other embodiments, a different type of heat shrinkwrap film may be used for the body of the pointe shoe cover, and may beremovable even after the heat treatment. Similarly, the lycra and nylonspandex bodies may be configured for one-time use or to be removed andreused.

In some embodiments, the toe portion of the pointe shoe cover may bemade of satin, stretch satin, dance rubber, suede leather, canvas,leather, suede, or the like. This advantageously enables the toe portionto support the switch membrane and remain flush with the platform of thepointe shoe. In other embodiments, the sole of the pointe shoe cover maybe made of dance rubber, suede leather, canvas, leather, suede, or thelike. In yet other embodiments, the pointe shoe cover may featureelastic straps and/or ribbons to ensure that a form-fitting snug fit ismaintained when using the pointe shoe cover.

Example Embodiments of Smart Dance Performance Footwear

FIGS. 9A-9E show examples of different types of performance shoes withthe sensor (denoted 940 or 940-x) and battery (denoted 950) placementdesign for that particular type of footwear. In the case of tap shoes(e.g., FIG. 9A), the (one or more) sensor(s) may be placed on, orintegrated into, the front “tap” and the heel “tap”. FIGS. 9B and 9Cshow character and ballroom shoes, respectively, with sensors in boththe heel and toe portions (e.g., under the ball of the foot) of the soleof the shoes. FIG. 9E shows jazz shoes with the sensor in the frontportion of the sole, similar to the positioning for ballet slippers(e.g., FIG. 9D). In each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9A-9E, thebattery is placed to cause minimal interference (e.g., does not come incontact with any element of the other shoe, the floor or other objects).Although not specifically shown in FIGS. 9A-9E, LEDs may be placed onthe shoes in a variety of configurations, similar to the examplesdescribed in the case of the pointe shoes, and so as not to impede themovements of the performer or dancer.

Example Embodiments of Smart Dance Footwear and Wireless DeviceInteraction

Some embodiments of the disclosed technology, as shown in FIG. 10 ,include a wireless-capable device (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet,computer, laptop, etc.) that can be paired with the smart dancefootwear, and which communicates with the smart dance footwear using thewireless transceiver on the dance shoe. As shown in FIG. 10 , thewireless transceiver in the smart shoe may implement a wireless protocol(e.g., Bluetooth, cellular, Wi-Fi or Zigbee) over which the data fromthe smart footwear can be sent to the wireless device. More generally,the wireless protocol is a low-rate and low-latency wirelesscommunication protocol.

In some embodiments, the wireless device may be configured to include aspecific software application that can interface with the smart dancefootwear. The wireless device, and the software application thereupon,can be customized for each dancer and can be used for both trainingpurposes and to interact with other aspects of dance training andperformance.

In some embodiments, the wireless-capable device can synchronize (inreal-time) with a pair of dance shoes and all the dancer's movementstracked by the shoes (e.g., based on the LEDs and pressure sensorsactivating). In an example, some of the statistics that may be collectedby the wireless device include speed, consistency, accuracy and timing(e.g., of performing a dance technique or move, or a series of steps).In another example, the wireless device could be paired with the danceshoes for multiple dancers to track the synchronicity between dancers.In yet another example, the collected statistics may be used to setgoals for individual dancers or a group, and then use to measure/trackprogress towards those goals.

In some embodiments, the wireless device can be further configured toinclude a social interaction (or social media) interface where dancerscan connect with other dancers using the shoes. In an example, users mayhave individual profiles, with the option of sharing the information(e.g., performance results, progress during practice, statisticscollected) with other dancers. In another example, a dance troupe mayhave a profile that aggregates the information of all the dancers in thetroupe.

In yet another example, the statistics collected by the smart footwearand the wireless device may be shared with a dance instructor, who canthen evaluate the dancer's technique based on the data collected andprovide feedback. Using multiple pressure sensors, as shown in FIG. 10 ,advantageously enables the dancer's technique to be represented in aformat that uses far less storage capacity (and bandwidth when beingtransmitted) then video frames, and would allow the dance instructor toevaluate the dancer's technique remotely (or off-site) in real-timeusing the app. In yet another example, the wireless device may be usedby a dancer to message or talk to other dancers using the app.

In yet another example, the wireless device may be used to search forinformation related to dance, e.g., dance companies, job openings in thedance world, dance supplies, dance industry news and/or tutorials fromteachers and professional dancers. For example, the wireless device maycommunicate with other applications and websites (e.g., SeeDance,Amazon) to enable a dancer to use other resources while remaining in thespecific software application itself. For example, a dancer may receivea product recommendation from another dancer, and may then purchase thatproduct directly through the specific software application on thewireless device.

In some embodiments, the wireless device can include a “gamification”aspect, which applies typical elements of game playing (e.g., pointscoring, competition with others, rules of play) to dance performance,technique and training in order to encourage participation of andamongst dancers. In an example, the workout associated with being ableto perform a dance routine may be customized by a particular dancer andshared with other dancers, and the particular dancer would receive goalbadges and points if that routine was used by other members of her dancetroupe. In another example, if a certain technique was practiced a fixednumber of times and the correct LEDs lit up (indicating proper techniqueand execution of that dance aspect) a predetermined number of times,then a goal badge may be received by that dancer. In yet anotherexample, participating in performances may be tracked by the app, andachievement badges obtained upon their completion. In yet anotherexample, the statistics collected may be used to award points or badgesbased on predetermined performance goals, or relative to other dancersin the same troupe or different troupe.

Embodiments of the disclosed technology relate to a system for improvinga dance technique or a dance performance by a performer, comprising apointe shoe, comprising: a light-emitting diode (LED) ribbon affixed toan external surface of the pointe shoe, a power source, a rigidenclosure within a front end of the pointe shoe that encases andsupports toes of the performer, wherein a front end of the rigidenclosure is flattened to form a platform upon which the performer canbalance when standing en pointe, a plurality of pressure sensors, in therigid enclosure or affixed to the platform, configured to activate whenthe performer stands en pointe during the dance performance, wherein theeach of the plurality of pressure sensors comprises a capacitive layer,and wherein standing en pointe comprises the performer standing on thetips of their toes, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter operativelyconnected to the plurality of pressure sensors and configured to beactivated when at least one of the plurality of pressure sensors isactivated, and at least one wire connecting the power source to the LEDribbon, the plurality of pressure sensors and the RF transmitter; and awireless device comprising: a processor, and an RF transceiver, whereinthe processor is configured to: receive, using the RF transceiver, asignal from the RF transmitter, determine, based on the signal, anactivation status of each of the plurality of pressure sensors, andprovide, based on the activation status, an indication of an accuracy orefficacy of the performer standing en pointe during the dance techniqueor dance performance.

In some embodiments, the RF transmitter and the RF transceiver use alow-rate and low-latency wireless communication protocol.

In some embodiments, the activation status is determined further basedon a calibration process that is configured using an age or a weight ofthe performer.

In some embodiments, the pointe shoe further comprises a toggle switchconfigured to switch between the LED ribbon remaining off and the LEDribbon being activated as a function of the plurality of pressuresensors.

In some embodiments, the pointe shoe further comprises an accelerometer,and wherein the toggle switch is further configured to being activatedas a function of the accelerometer.

In some embodiments, the LED ribbon is affixed to a binding of thepointe shoe.

In some embodiments, the LED ribbon is affixed to a vamp of the pointeshoe.

In some embodiments, the pointe shoe further comprises an accelerometer,and wherein the processor is further configured to extract, from thesignal, accelerometer data, and track, based on the accelerometer data,one or more movements of the performer during the dance performance.

In some embodiments, the examples described above may be implemented asa method for improving a dance technique or a dance performance by aperformer. The method 1100 includes, at operation 1110, receiving, usinga radio frequency (RF) transceiver on a wireless device, a signal froman RF transmitter on a pointe shoe.

The method includes, at operation 1120, determining, based on thesignal, an activation status of each of a plurality of pressure sensorson the pointe shoe.

The method includes, at operation 1130, providing, based on theactivation status, an indication of an accuracy or efficacy of theperformer standing en pointe during the dance technique or danceperformance.

In some embodiments, the determining the activation status is furtherbased on a calibration process, and wherein the method further comprisesperforming, based on an age or a weight of the performer, thecalibration process.

In some embodiments, the RF transmitter and the RF transceiver use alow-rate and low-latency wireless communication protocol.

In some embodiments, the pointe shoe further comprises a toggle switchconfigured to switch between the LED ribbon remaining off and the LEDribbon being activated as a function of the plurality of pressuresensors.

In some embodiments, the pointe shoe further comprises an accelerometer,and wherein the toggle switch is further configured to being activatedas a function of the accelerometer.

Embodiments of the disclosed technology relate to a kit for enhancing apointe shoe for improving a dance technique or a dance performance by aperformer, the kit comprising a pointe shoe, comprising: a rigidenclosure within a front end of the pointe shoe that encases andsupports toes of the performer, wherein a front end of the rigidenclosure is flattened to form a platform upon which the performer canbalance when standing en pointe, and a piece of rigid material thatstiffens a sole of the pointe shoe to provide support for an arch of anen pointe foot of the performer; a light-emitting diode (LED) ribbon; apower source; a plurality of pressure sensors; a radio frequency (RF)transmitter; and at least one wire, wherein the LED ribbon is configuredto be affixed to an external surface of the pointe shoe, wherein theplurality of pressure sensors is configured to be inserted into therigid enclosure or affixed to the platform, and to activate when theperformer stands en pointe during the dance performance, wherein theeach of the plurality of pressure sensors comprises a capacitive layer,and wherein standing en pointe comprises the performer standing on thetips of their toes, wherein the RF transmitter is configured to beoperatively connected to the plurality of pressure sensors, and to beactivated when at least one of the plurality of pressure sensors isactivated, wherein the at least one wire is configured to connect thepower source to the LED ribbon, the plurality of pressure sensors andthe RF transmitter, and wherein a wireless device that is paired to thepointe shoe is configured to: receive a signal from the RF transmitteraffixed to the pointe shoe, determine, based on the signal, anactivation status of each of the plurality of pressure sensors, andprovide, based on the activation status, an indication of an accuracy orefficacy of the performer standing en pointe during the dance techniqueor dance performance.

While this patent document contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may beclaimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific toparticular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features thatare described in this patent document in the context of separateembodiments can also be implemented in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in thecontext of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multipleembodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover,although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more featuresfrom a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from thecombination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. Moreover, the separation of various system components in theembodiments described in this patent document should not be understoodas requiring such separation in all embodiments.

Only a few implementations and examples are described and otherimplementations, enhancements and variations can be made based on whatis described and illustrated in this patent document.

What is claimed is:
 1. A kit for enhancing a pointe shoe for improving adance technique or a dance performance by a performer, the kitcomprising: a pointe shoe cover comprising: a body portion made from amaterial including at least polyester and configured to envelop thepointe shoe, the body portion comprising: a toe portion made from afirst material including at least canvas and configured to align with afront end of a rigid portion of the pointe shoe that encases andsupports toes of the performer, wherein the front end is flattened toform a platform upon which the performer can balance when standing enpointe, and a sole portion made from a second material including atleast canvas and configured to align with a sole of the pointe shoe; alight-emitting diode (LED) ribbon, affixed to the body portion, affixedto at least a vamp or a binding of the pointe shoe cover; one or moremembrane switches, affixed to the toe portion, configured to activatewhen the performer stands en pointe during the dance performance,wherein standing en pointe comprises the performer standing on theplatform on the tips of their toes; a toggle switch configured to switchbetween (a) the LED ribbon remaining off, (b) the LED remaining on, and(c) the LED ribbon being activated as a function of the one or moremembrane switches; a button cell affixed to an external side portion ofthe body portion that is below the binding of the pointe shoe cover andtoward a back of the pointe shoe cover; and at least one wire connectingthe button cell to the LED ribbon, the toggle switch, and the one ormore membrane switches.
 2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the LED ribbon isan LED strand.
 3. A kit for enhancing a pointe shoe for improving adance technique or a dance performance by a performer, the kitcomprising: a pointe shoe cover comprising: a body portion configured toenvelop the pointe shoe, comprising: a toe portion configured to alignwith a front end of a rigid portion of the pointe shoe that encases andsupports toes of the performer, wherein the front end is flattened toform a platform upon which the performer can balance when standing enpointe, and a sole portion configured to align with a sole of the pointeshoe; a light-emitting diode (LED) ribbon, affixed to the body portion,affixed to at least a vamp or a binding of the pointe shoe cover; one ormore pressure sensors, affixed to the toe portion, configured toactivate when the performer stands en pointe during the danceperformance, wherein standing en pointe comprises the performer standingon the platform on the tips of their toes; a toggle switch configured toswitch between (a) the LED ribbon remaining off, (b) the LED remainingon, and (c) the LED ribbon being activated as a function of the one ormore pressure sensors; a battery affixed to an external side portion ofthe body portion that is below the binding of the pointe shoe cover andtoward a back of the pointe shoe cover; and at least one wire connectingthe battery to the LED ribbon, the toggle switch, and the one or morepressure sensors.
 4. The kit of claim 3, wherein the body portion ismade from lycra spandex, nylon spandex, cotton, wool, nylon, polyester,acrylic, spandex, silk, cashmere, mohair, or olefins.
 5. The kit ofclaim 3, wherein the toe portion is made from satin, stretch satin,dance rubber, suede leather, canvas, leather, or suede.
 6. The kit ofclaim 3, wherein the sole portion is made from dance rubber, suedeleather, canvas, leather, or suede.
 7. The kit of claim 3, wherein thepointe shoe cover further comprises: a radio frequency (RF) transmitter,operatively connected to the one or more pressure sensors and thebattery, configured to be activated when (a) at least one of the one ormore pressure sensors is activated or (b) the LED ribbon remains on, andwherein the kit further comprises a wireless device comprising: aprocessor, and an RF transceiver, wherein the processor is configuredto: receive, using the RF transceiver, a signal from the RF transmitter,determine, based on the signal, an activation status of each of the oneor more pressure sensors, and provide, based on the activation status,an indication of an accuracy or efficacy of the performer standing enpointe during the dance technique or dance performance.
 8. The kit ofclaim 7, wherein the RF transmitter and the RF transceiver use alow-rate and low-latency wireless communication protocol.
 9. The kit ofclaim 7, wherein the pointe shoe cover further comprises anaccelerometer, and wherein the processor is further configured to:extract, from the signal, accelerometer data; and track, based on theaccelerometer data, one or more movements of the performer during thedance performance.
 10. The kit of claim 7, wherein the activation statusis determined further based on a calibration process that is configuredusing an age or a weight of the performer.
 11. The kit of claim 3,wherein the battery is a button cell or a coin cell.
 12. The kit ofclaim 3, wherein each of the one or more pressure sensors compriseseither a capacitive layer or a membrane switch.
 13. The kit of claim 3,wherein the pointe shoe cover further comprises an accelerometer, andwherein the toggle switch is configured to switch between the LED ribbonbeing activated as a function of the accelerometer.
 14. The kit of claim3, wherein the pointe shoe cover further comprises elastic straps orribbons configured to traverse a front of the performer's ankle and atop of an arch of the performer's foot.
 15. The kit of claim 3, whereinthe LED ribbon is an LED strand.